Real Madrid's defense, more than three months in the gorge, is in a state of crisis. The club's decision not to sign a central defender in January despite having only two until the expected return of Militão.

David Alaba broke his cruciate on December 17 and, although Ancelotti did not initially rule out a transfer, he did not take long to close that possibility after conversations with the club. Madrid faces a tricky date against the only team that has defeated them (twice), and with the threat of Griezmann and Morata.